If you see these things at the thrift store, grab them now before everyone on Pinterest catches up

Thrift stores used to be where people dumped old dorm furniture. Now, designers, resellers, and regular homeowners are combing shelves for the good stuff—and certain categories disappear fast. Articles on 2025–2026 trends all say the same thing: people want real materials, character, and pieces that don’t feel mass-produced.

If you like your house to look collected instead of straight from a big-box aisle, these are the things to grab when you see them.

Solid wood dressers and side tables

If you can pull open the drawer and see dovetail joints and real wood (not paper veneer), you’re looking at something with years left in it. Designers are still leaning hard into secondhand case goods because new ones at that quality cost a fortune.

Ugly stain? Weird hardware? That’s all fixable. What you can’t fake is weight and construction. A small solid-wood dresser can become an entry piece, bathroom vanity, or nightstand. Side tables like this vanish fast, so if the price is reasonable and the frame is sturdy, throw it in the cart.

Crystal and heavy glass lighting

Good crystal lamps, glass pendants, and heavy glass shades are on every “most popular thrift finds” list for 2025. They’re back in style because they add real sparkle and weight compared to flimsy fixtures.

Skip anything cracked or wobbly, but don’t worry if the shade is ugly—you can swap that out. Look for lamps with solid brass or heavy bases and thick cords in good shape. Even if you take them to an electrician for a quick check, you’re still ahead of new retail pricing.

Real silverware and flatware sets

Real silver or heavy stainless flatware instantly makes a table feel more grown-up. Designers specifically mention silverware as something they scoop up secondhand because it’s getting harder to find at decent prices.

Tarnish is not a deal breaker; that cleans off. Focus on weight and pattern. A simple, classic pattern will blend into any kitchen, and you can mix pieces from different sets without it looking odd.

Vintage books for shelves and coffee tables

Everyone wants their shelves to look curated without spending hundreds on styled “book bundles.” Old hardbacks with worn spines, interesting covers, and neutral jackets are still big in thrift-store trend lists.

Grab them in similar color families—blues and greens, tans and browns, or classic dark reds—and stack them under frames, lamps, or small decor. You get instant height and texture without buying fake “decor books.”

Handmade pottery and stoneware

Hand-thrown mugs, bowls, and vases are hot right now because they make rooms feel less copy-paste. Designers call out handmade ceramics as a top thrift find for 2025, and prices in antique malls reflect that.

Look for maker’s marks, uneven rims, and glazes that don’t look mass-produced. Even a single small bowl on a nightstand or a mug on a shelf adds more personality than a dozen identical big-box pieces.

Woven and bamboo furniture

Rattan, cane, and bamboo pieces that are actually solid (not falling apart) are on multiple “most-wanted thrift item” lists this year. They add warmth and texture and work in everything from boho to more traditional rooms.

Check for broken strands and loose joints. A wobbly stool might be more trouble than it’s worth, but a sturdy chair, nightstand, or plant stand is a great score. Toss a simple cushion or pillow on it and call it done.

Simple, quality picture frames

You can always toss the art and keep the frame. Designers say they specifically hunt for real wood frames and older metal frames because they’re more substantial than most new ones in big-box stores.

Ignore the faded prints inside and look at the corners and backing. If it feels solid, you can pop in family photos, kids’ art, or downloaded prints later. Matching sets are gold for hallways and stairwells.

Original art and good prints

Original paintings and drawings—especially landscapes, still lifes, and portraits—are gaining steam again. Trend pieces say buyers are tired of generic canvas prints and want art that feels personal.

You don’t have to love the whole piece; sometimes the frame, colors, or size alone make it worth grabbing. A slightly odd painting in a great frame can still work in a gallery wall and gives your house that “I’ve been collecting for years” look without the price tag.